Test Retest Reliability of Jittered Frequency Modulation Detection Test

Purpose: Aim of the current is to develop a test to assess the perception of jitter in frequency modulation and also to assess its test-retest reliability. The motivation behind the development of such test is to detect subtle deficits such as hidden hearing disorder.

Study Design: Observational study.

Method: Nine young adults participated in the current study. Initially, frequency modulation detection limen (FMDL) of the participants were assessed for 500 carrier frequency with 2Hz frequency modulation. Upon obtaining the FMDL, the jitter threshold was estimated as the lowest jitter at which the individual could differentiate the jittered frequency modulation from the sinusoidal frequency modulation. FMDL, jitter threshold at FMDL, and jitter threshold at 10Hz above the FMDL were measured twice. Both test and retest measurements were performed on the same day with the time gap of 20 mins.

Results: All participants could perceive frequency modulations and jitter in frequency modulation. Intra-class correlation coefficient revealed good test-retest reliability for all measurements.

Conclusion: Since the developed test has good test-retest reliability, it has a potential implication in the assessment of subtle deficits such as hidden hearing disorder.